From The Rio Times · Samuel Ncube · · 1m 50s
Ethiopian Troops Retake Mekelle Airport
Ethiopian forces regain Mekelle airport from TPLF amid regional tensions.
In brief
Ethiopian forces regain Mekelle airport from TPLF amid regional tensions. Ethiopian federal forces retook Mekelle airport and city from TPLF on October 3, 2026, after TPLF claimed retreat and regional government relocation. Originally reported by The Rio Times.
What happened
Ethiopian federal forces retook Alula Aba Nega Airport in Mekelle, the Tigray capital, on October 3, 2026.
Who controls Mekelle
Government and allied forces now control Mekelle, while TPLF says it retreated and will temporarily relocate its regional government.
Human cost
MSF reports over 720 wounded since September 22, with Al Jazeera citing at least 52 civilian deaths.
Why it matters
The conflict threatens Red Sea trade routes, as the US lifted Eritrea sanctions on September 19 citing regional interests.
Who is fighting
Ethiopian National Defence Force, TPLF with allies, and Tigray Peace Force aligned with federal forces.
Regional impact
Fighting spread to Amhara and Afar regions, with Alamata changing hands and 270 Tigrayan fighters reportedly killed.
Diplomatic crisis
Eritrea cut diplomatic ties with Ethiopia after Addis Ababa expelled 10 Eritrean diplomats on October 1.
What is unknown
Exact timing of airport control, TPLF's new base, and whether Eritrea will join fighting remain unconfirmed.
Humanitarian crisis
Over 150,000 displaced in Afar, hospitals overwhelmed, and drone strikes causing surge in wounded.
US policy
US lifted Eritrea sanctions on September 19, but Ethiopia accuses Eritrea of backing armed opposition.
Next steps
Ethiopia's new government convenes on October 5 to form federal government after TPLF retreat.
What happened next
TPLF claims retreat from Mekelle, but independent verification impossible due to communications blackout.
Why it matters to US
US lifted Eritrea sanctions on September 19, but Ethiopia accuses Eritrea of backing armed opposition.
Consequence
Ethiopia's new government convenes on October 5 to form federal government after TPLF retreat.
The takeaway
Ethiopian federal forces retook Mekelle airport and city from TPLF on October 3, 2026, after TPLF claimed retreat and regional government relocation.
